Check out the latest scams and bad business in BBB’s August 2012 Hot Topics! For more information visit www.bbb.org.

1. Beware of another round of BBB Fake Emails. Scammers continue to contact businesses across the country, pretending to be the BBB. The emails vary on subject matter, but one of the latest involves a response to a complaint, and provides a link. The link could be a virus.

FRANKFORT – Kentucky homeowners who have had their homes foreclosed or are at-risk of having that happen have several avenues of assistance available to them, including money from a national, multi-billion dollar settlement.

I want to make sure that all homeowners who are having a tough time with their mortgage payments know about these options. In some cases, they could be eligible for direct assistance. That’s money rightly owed to them, and it’s crucial they know more about it.

I have had different experiences throughout my lifetime. Some good, some bad. There is one experience I often think about because there are so many people who want everything their way or no way.

This young man was married to a beautiful woman and she knew she was beautiful. She liked to party all the time. She dressed the part of a rich woman. They owed so much money he had to work six days a week to make ends meet. His wife knew how to spend money.

The 4th of July is almost here and the people of Kentucky and Southern Indiana are in a patriotic frame of mind. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous people may take advantage of your patriotic desire to support America’s soldiers.

Many Americans choose to celebrate their independence and express their patriotism on the Fourth of July with fireworks and sparklers. TNT Fireworks, the nation’s largest distributor of consumer fireworks and novelty items, encourages families nationwide to follow these simple steps from the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) to ensure their celebrations are safe:

§ TAKE PRECAUTIONS. Always keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.